> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Set Up a Proxy (Velocity/Bungee) Network

> Link multiple Minecraft servers using Velocity or BungeeCord proxy to create a network with Hub, Survival, and Minigame environments for your community.

## Architecting a Professional Network

A Minecraft "Proxy" functions as a high-performance traffic router, serving as the primary entry point for your community. It enables players to connect to a single IP address and smoothly jump between different physical server instances (e.g., transitioning from a central Hub to a Survival world) without ever disconnecting from the network. While BungeeCord was the legacy standard, **Velocity** is the modern industry recommendation, providing vastly superior security protocols, improved resource efficiency, and advanced player synchronization. This guide walk you through the technical architecture required to launch your first network on FREAKHOSTING.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Difficulty" icon="gauge-low">
    Advanced
  </Card>

  <Card title="Time" icon="clock">
    15 Minutes
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Technical Infrastructure Overview

A functional network requires a minimum of three distinct FREAKHOSTING server IDs to maintain a professional logical separation.

1. **The Proxy (Velocity):** The "Front Door" of your network. It handles authentication and traffic routing (typically assigned to Port **25565**).
2. **The Hub (Paper):** The default landing zone where players materialize upon joining.
3. **The Game Server (Paper/Forge):** The destination world where the primary gameplay (Survival, Skyblock, etc.) occurs.

***

## Technical Configuration Workflow

Follow these steps to establish the secure handshake between your proxy and your backend servers.

### Step 1: Configuring the Velocity Gateway

<Steps>
  <Step title="Initialize the Registry">
    Open your Velocity server's `velocity.toml` file. Locate the `[servers]` section and define your backend instances.

    ```toml theme={null}
    [servers]
    hub = "1.2.3.4:25566"
    survival = "1.2.3.4:25567"
    try = ["hub"]
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Identify the Secret Key">
    Locate the `forwarding-secret` string generated within the same file. Copy this key precisely; it is the cryptographic "password" for your network.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Step 2: Hardening the Backend Servers (Paper)

On **every** backend server (Hub, Survival, etc.), you must authorize the proxy to manage player sessions.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Update Paper Configuration">
    Open the `config/paper-global.yml` file.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable Velocity Support">
    Set `velocity.enabled` to **`true`** and paste your **Secret Key** from Step 1 into the `velocity.secret` field.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Modify Authentication Protocol">
    **Important:** In `server.properties`, set `online-mode` to **`false`**. Velocity will handle the official Mojang authentication at the front door, ensuring your backend remains secure.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Strategic Security Architecture

<Warning>
  ### Critical: Preventing Proxy Bypass

  Operating backend servers in "Offline Mode" is technically required for proxy functionality, but it introduces a major security vulnerability. If a malicious actor identifies your backend ports (e.g., `25566`), they can join them directly and assume any identity, including yours. using Velocity's **Modern Forwarding Secret** is mandatory; it ensures that your backend servers strictly reject any connection attempt that does not originate from your authorized proxy.
</Warning>

***

<Note>
  ### Need Extra Help?

  If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

  * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
  * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
  * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
  * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)
</Note>

<Tip>
  ### Save on Your Hosting

  Ready to get a new server? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first month!
</Tip>

***

<div align="center">
  **Last Updated:** January 2026 | **Minecraft:** Network architecture online.
</div>